Rapid Change: Nine Information Technology Management Challenges

Abstract Information technology is rapidly changing. This increases the complexity of IT management. Previous research hypothesized that rapid change in IT causes eleven different categories of problems for IT managers. The current study developed a survey instrument based on detailed items about such problems from that research. The instrument was mailed to a nationwide sample of 1,000 IT professionals. Two hundred forty-six provided useable data. The data supported and clarified nine of the categories of problems of rapid change in IT. The categories are Vendor Neglect, Vendor Oversell, Acquisition Dilemma, Support Burden, Resistance, Cascading Needs, New Integration, Errors, and Training Demands. The research also offers suggestions for future investigation of the problems and a potential instrument with which to conduct it. Anticipating and planning for the problems may help IT managers avoid project delays and budget overruns.

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